A study on how Mbongolwane wetland natural resources can benefit society Analysis of wetland value chains, ecosystem services and business plan for Mbongolwane wetland resources

Expanded Title:

Mbongolwane is a large wetland and grassland area located at the headwaters of the Amatigulu River in the KwaNtuli Tribal Authority, one of 14 tribal authorities located in the uMlalazi Local Municipality. uMlalazi is located in the uThungulu District Municipality in the province of KwaZulu- Natal. Rural development is a strategic priority and UThungulu District has been identified for ‘investment in rural areas and the revitalisation of smaller towns’ (Mathfield, 2013)
uMlalazi, like many distressed Municipalities has a high proportion of young people, high levels of dependency and unemployment, high levels of emigration from rural areas, low education and low levels of services to households. At the same time, the Mbongolwane area has relatively high agricultural potential and is close to large urban markets, for example Durban and Richards Bay.
Thus the area surrounding Mbongolwane provides an ideal opportunity to research and implement at a pilot scale various natural resource-based enterprises and their value chains to support local economic development.
This report was prepared as a short-term consultancy to investigate value chains and ecosystem services associated with the Mbongolwane wetland and their potential role in generating rural local economic development in rural areas.